Sodium Nitrate

Also known as: Chile saltpeter, NaNO3

Preservative / Color fixative · E251

Regulatory Status

United States (FDA)

Approved

FDA-approved for cured meats. Converts to nitrite in the body.

European Union (EFSA)

Approved

Approved in EU with strict quantity limits. Used alongside nitrite (E250).

Safety Profile

Same risk profile as sodium nitrite — the cancer risk comes from nitrosamine formation, not the nitrate/nitrite itself. Both US and EU allow with quantity limits.

Health Concerns

• Converts to nitrite, which can form nitrosamines
• Same cancer concerns as sodium nitrite (see separate entry)
• WHO classifies processed meat as Group 1 carcinogen

Commonly Found In

Cured meatsSalamiJerkySome cheeses

Sources: FDA Substances Added to Food, EFSA opinions, EU Regulation 1333/2008, IARC monographs

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.